Archive for March 2017

The following article will not be published in local newspapers until after the PTA play is over. I couldn’t wait that long to post it here because personally I feel it is one of my best articles… and probably one of the last publicity articles I will write for the PTA t00. Naomi is just THE BEST!

SouheganHigh School Senior shares PTA Play Memories

by Janine Leffler

The classic and iconic tale Wizard Of OZ will be performed by the Amherst PTA this April. I recently spoke with Naomi Cohen, a senior at Souhegan High School who will be playing Dorothy. She reflected on her past PTA performances and the progress of Wizard Of OZ rehearsals up to this point.

Cohen has been in the PTA play for the past seven years being in every show since 2010 except for CATS. When asked why she auditioned for Wizard Of Oz she said, “The PTA Play has been part of my spring for so long it felt weird not to do it. I decided to audition because this would be my last PTA Play before going to college.” She went on to say, “There are so many memories of my first PTA play, Children Of Eden; having my makeup done back stage, Sophie Linkroum waltzing by with her hair in curlers and saying, “This is a zoo!” and me answering with something witty or getting to eat lettuce on stage which is something I didn’t think happened during shows.” Naomi remembers looking up to Sophie Linkroum and is honored this year to be the lead character, Dorothy, in the hope younger kids will look up to her.

When asked what she likes about Dorothy’s character she responded “Dorothy is quite obviously a dreamer. She’s protecting Toto with every ounce of herself even if it means running away from home to do so. She’s friendly and loving with a touch of teenage brat which makes her so much more interesting, rather than the sweet character we’ve all come to know.” She went on to say, “It is hard for me to choose a favorite scene. I love the Munckinland scene because it is so iconic and the kids are so fun to work with. I also like the Jitterbug scene because it is a fun dance number. There are so many bucket-list moments for me in this show; I get to lie down on stage, carry a live dog, eat and I am even lifted up at one point.”

Cohen encourages people who have never auditioned for a PTA play by saying the following, “A wonderful thing about the Amherst PTA is that we they include everyone we they can and you get to know so many people in a different way. Who knew that the town’s teachers had such lovely voices or that your next door neighbor was a tap dancer extraordinaire?” When asked why people should come see Wizard Of OZ she said, “It’s a classic. It’s a family show which supports your community. There are a million reasons but please come support the arts!”

Cohen is still awaiting word on where she will attend college next fall and hopes to study music education where ever she goes. This show has been a dream come true for her in every way. We wish Naomi the very best of luck in her future endeavors. Your star will shine wherever you go.

Wizard Of OZ runs at Souhegan High School April 20-23rd with evening performances at 7pm and matinees at 2pm. The show is directed by Vouli Anthimoudi and Sharron April, music directed by Karina Allayne and Laura Millar and choreographed by Loren Hallet. You won’t want to miss this magical show!